A Little Weekend Trip

Jimmy first met Brea in December 2012 at Coolfire Originals (check out their awesome team here). A couple weeks later while Jimmy and I were filming in Florida Brea called us and said she was getting married at an equestrian farm in Kentucky. She had told us that they found the farm after a fun adventure on the Bourbon Trail. Awesome! Now there are two things we love about Kentucky, bourbon....and more bourbon, so we knew right off the bat that this was going to be a blast. :) Off to their wedding! A while back we shared 10 wedding planning tips that we've learned as videographers in the wedding business. One of those tips was to think about having a smaller wedding. Brea and Ross did just that. For their weekend getaway, they rented out the Ashley Inn near Lancaster, Kentucky. We arrived for the festivities on Friday to scope out the scenery while Brea + Ross took their family and friends out for a day on the Bourbon Trail, with the Four Roses and Woodford Reserve distilleries located not too far away. Later that night we settled in for rehearsal and dinner. Jimmy and I were sitting around the patio table enjoying a glass of wine when we suddenly realizing that all the wedding guests were sitting there with us! Fifteen guests at a wedding! So cool!!

The next morning, the guys played a quick game of bags while the girls started setting up for the ceremony. Everything was very laid back. No rushing or timeline to stick to. Just enjoying the day and hanging out with friends. In fact, Brea and Ross were okay with seeing each other in the morning. Stress free!

We asked Brea and Ross what they do for fun as a couple. Their answer? They love to cook together! (Something Jimmy and I have tried and failed! ;))

After decorating and taking an easy morning, everyone started to get dressed and clean up for the wedding. While Brea was doing her hair and makeup, the clouds rolled in and it started storming for a couple hours. Fortunately the sky opened up just long enough for them to have their first meeting! The reactions during this moment never get old!

Immediately following the first meeting, everyone gathered on the lawn for the ceremony. Though it had just rained, a quick wipe down of the chairs and all was good to go. Short and sweet complete with personal vows. (Always a plus for us videographers!)

After the ceremony, the group headed back inside for drinks and a delicious home-style meal in the dinning room. Although Brea and Ross didn't have a DJ, their night was no less of a celebration. Dancing, drinks, and laughter as another storm rolled in.

Brea + Ross had such a beautiful day with their closest family and friends. It truly made for a warm and intimate celebration. Although we were ultimately there to film the wedding festivities, Brea + Ross and the whole group made us feel like life-long friends! Watch their wedding highlight below!

[embed]https://vimeo.com/75263842[/embed]

Enjoy!

captured in frames - St. Louis Wedding Videography

One Step At A Time

Today I wanted to share my favorite recipe that I have come across since we've started our wedding diet. It's absolutely delicious and moderately healthy! (And Jimmy likes them, so that's saying something!) What could be better?! :) Baked Mexican Arancini (Rice Balls) Ingredients 4 c. cooked white rice 2 eggs 1/4 lb. shredded cooked chicken breast 1/4 c. Rotel* 1/4 c. Greek Yogurt 3/4 c. shredded cheese* Pinch of cumin 1/2 tsp. chili powder 1 c. breadcrumbs

Directions Combine rice, 1/2 c. shredded cheese, and 1 egg. (I do this the night before and let the rice chill in the refrigerator over night. In my experience chilled rice is easier to work with.) Set aside.

Combine chicken breast, Rotel, Greek yogurt, 1/4 c. shredded cheese, cumin, and chili powder.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Form each arancini by scooping 1/2 c. rice mixture into palm and then smashing it flat. Place 1 tbls of chicken mixture in center of rice. Fold rice around chicken mixture and roll into a ball. Repeat this process until all rice has been used. You should have 8-10 arancini.

Whisk remaining egg. Dip each arancini into the egg and then in breadcrumbs.

Bake arancini on a well oiled baking sheet for 25 minutes, or until golden brown. Serve warm and enjoy!

* I used Mexican Lime & Cilantro Rotel and reduced fat monterey jack & cheddar shredded cheese.

This recipe is a little messy but very delicious! Just a tip: As I am forming the arancini into balls, I try to keep my hands damp so the rice doesn't stick. It helps out a lot!

If these didn't have so much cheese I would eat them every day. Oh well! Wedding body, here we come!

captured in frames - St. Louis Wedding Videography

Back On Track

Hello again! I mentioned in an earlier post that I intended to purchase a paper flower punch. Well it finally arrived!...Along with my paper heart punch. :)

When I went shopping for the flower punch I came across a heart punch and had yet another wedding decor idea. I'm full of DIY travel themed wedding ideas lately! I stay awake all night thinking about it! Haha!

Anyways, Jimmy and I have decided to make paper heart map garland to string up at our reception and this is how I did it.

Along with the flower punch I picked up some self-laminating paper to make the hearts a little thicker. They are now also water proof (just in case it rains...I am crossing my fingers that it doesn't!). After laminating the map, I used the punch to make the hearts.

The hearts are two inches in diameter so I hope they are big enough. These pics will give you an idea of what it will look like.

After all of the hearts are punched out I will string them up with heavy hemp twine, which I haven't had a chance to purchase yet. I've also thought about adding burlap flowers to the garland. We'll see how it goes!

As always, I will post pics of the garland once it is finished! I believe we are well on our way to having a very travel themed wedding! So excited! :)

captured in frames - St. Louis Wedding Videography